Project description
A low-cost alternative to 3He neutron detectors
Neutron spectroscopy dates back to neutron discovery in 1932. Despite several attempts towards developing high-efficiency neutron spectroscopy systems, such systems remain cumbersome. State-of-the-art methods mainly rely on the 3He(n, p)3H reaction, which is better suited for thermal neutrons and is particularly expensive given that 3He is scarce. Funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the neutronSPHERE project is working on a unique, lower-cost alternative to 3He-based detectors. The approach relies on the use of the spherical proportional counter, a high-gain large-volume gaseous detector filled with a nitrogen-based mixture. The detection principle exploits the N14(n, α)B11 and N14(n, p)C14 reactions. Target applications include high-precision measurements of the neutron background spectrum in underground facilities and of neutron-induced doses in proton therapy.
Objective
The concept of neutron spectroscopy dates back to neutron discovery in 1932. Despite several attempts towards an efficient neutron spectroscopy system, such measurements remain cumbersome and detailed neutron spectra are sparse both in scientific laboratories and industrial sites. To-date the most widely used method relies on the 3He(n,p)3H reaction, which - however - is more well suited for thermal neutrons and is particularly expensive, given that 3He is scarce. All existing alternatives are plagued by major disadvantages: toxic/corrosive gases, poor efficiency, limited radiation hardness, degraded energy resolution.
The neutronSPHERE project will provide a unique alternative to 3He-based detectors for neutron spectroscopy by using the Spherical Proportional Counter (SPC), a high-gain large-volume gaseous detector, filled with a nitrogen-based mixture. The detection principle exploits the 14 N(n, α )B11 and 14 N(n, p)C14 processes, and exhibits all major advantages of 3He-based detectors, and goes beyond that to provide fast neutron spectroscopy at an affordable price. This breakthrough is enabled by novel developments in SPC instrumentation that the host has played a key role in demonstrating.
The capabilities of the developed neutron spectroscopy system will be demonstrated in two application: Firstly, neutronSPHERE will provide the first high precision measurements of the neutron background spectrum in underground facilities. These will provide a unique insight and will immediately inform direct searches for Dark Matter. Then, neutronSPHERE will measure in situ the neutron-induced dose during proton therapy treatments, which is a crucial element in hadron therapy treatment and planning.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences physical sciences astronomy astrophysics dark matter
- natural sciences physical sciences optics spectroscopy
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
MAIN PROGRAMME
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H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
MSCA-IF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF)
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) H2020-MSCA-IF-2019
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
B15 2TT Birmingham
United Kingdom
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.